Google double indents give brands triple listings

In recent months, Google has started giving brands triple listings on search results pages. Branded search queries can now return up to 2 related pages below the very first search result. This is good news for brands and authority websites, and bad news for affiliates and others targeting positions on branded terms.

A search on Google.co.uk for ‘ford cars’ returns the following triple listings. Jenningsforddirect.co.uk, as used car dealer, now appears lower down the SERP:

However, a search on Google.com for ‘ford cards’ returns a classic indent – perhaps an indication that triple indents have not been generalised for all brand searches.

This change follows on from Google’s “Vince update”, implemented earlier in the year. The Vince change helped brands and authority websites rank higher for searches on short-tail generic keywords. With triple listings, Google appears to be helping brands reclaim SERP real estate for brand searches.